14 Yoga Poses with Animal Names

Here you can find 14 different yoga poses. The world of yoga is astonishing and amusing at the same time. You will be surprised to know how many different yoga poses there are for people to practice and lead a healthier life. Interestingly, a lot of these poses are based on the body postures animals take. The prime reason why yogasanas are inspired from animal poses is because yoga encourages people to be as flexible as an animal. If you wish to know what poses take inspiration from animals, then here is a list that you can follow-

Crocodile Pose

The crocodile pose, also referred to as makrasana, is an amazing pose that ensures restfulness to the body. So, anybody who feels stressed and tensed perpetually can try out this pose. The pose you assume in this asana might not quite resemble that of a lying crocodile, but it is indeed a lot of fun to do it.

Turtle Pose

The turtle pose, also known as kurmasana, is the best yoga pose to get rid of belly fats. The reason why this pose is called a turtle pose is because it appears like a turtle when viewed from above. This is an extremely popular yogasana among women and has many benefits like an improved digestion and a more efficient respiratory system.

Camel Pose

If you want a good stretch in your abdomen and to strengthen the muscles here, then engaging in the camel pose would be the best bet. This pose, also referred to as ushtrasana, improves posture, betters digestion and cures lower back pain. What more? Your thigh muscles get strengthened considerably.

Crow Pose

The crow pose is also called bakasana. And it is called so because of its resemblance with a bird’s posture. The most important characteristic of this pose is that it calls for a great deal of balance in the body. With an increase in the flexibility and elasticity of the spine, this pose helps with problems like acidity and heartburn.

Peacock Pose

In this pose, you need to balance your body on your hands. Also called mayurasana, this pose requires a lot of body strength. By practicing peacock pose regularly, you will see a significant improvement in the functioning of your inner organs. This is basically a yoga pose that works on your entire body.

Eagle Pose

This is also one of those yoga poses that need you to have a lot of balance. Doing this pose regularly will subject your body to a great deal of benefits. You get strong joints, your balance gets a boost and you feel a considerable improvement in your digestion and general health.

Scorpion Pose (Vrischikasana)

This is a balancing pose, referred to as Vrischikasana in Sanskrit. With this pose, you can reap all the benefits of doing an inverted pose. By increasing blood flow to the brain, it makes your cognitive abilities better. Problems of piles and vericose veins also subside with the regular practice of this pose.

Frog Pose

Bhekasana, also called the frog pose, looks pretty much like a frog that is about to hop. The best thing about this pose is that it is a great hip-opener. In addition to giving your internal organs a good massage, this pose improves your body posture. And it doesn’t just strengthen the muscles in your back, your front also gets that much needed stretch.

Downward Dog

This pose is called adho mukha svanasana in Sanskrit. It is probably the most popular of all the animals yoga poses we have today. It is that pose almost all yoga classes teach, irrespective of its level or standard. It is also an important part of sun salutation. It relieves stiffness and tension in the body.

Cat Pose

Bidalasana, also known as the cat pose is an extremely important pose for people with spine problems. By doing this pose diligently, you will be able to offer your spine a great deal of flexibility and strength. This pose doesn’t depend on your balancing capacity, so is perfect for beginners.

Fish Pose

Fish pose, also known as matsyasana is a common pose taught in yoga schools. It is a restorative yoga pose that relaxes your body and offers it a great deal of energy and vigour. With this pose, you can get your nasal passages cleared. What more? Your spinal flexibility improves.

Cow Pose

This is a less complicated asana, referred to as gomukhasana in Sanskrit. The most important benefit of doing this asana is an improvement in balance and posture. With this pose, your neck and spine get a good stretch. Your body feels more coordinated than ever with the regular practice of the cow pose.

Cobra Pose

Cobra pose is also called Bhujangasana. This pose is an important part of flow yoga and offers the entire body a good stretch. Anyone having stiffness in the lower back can try this pose. Apart from improving heart health, this pose helps with problems such as asthma. What else? Your digestion and spine health improve significantly.

Pigeon Pose

Pigeon pose or rajakapotasana is a sitting pose that works wonders on your flexibility. When you do this yogasana regularly, your internal organs get stimulated. People having urinary disorders see a lot of improvement by practicing this pose diligently. What else? You see a lot of improvement in your mood.

These poses are special not just because they are inspired by animals’ postures but also because they are extremely beneficial for the health. So, what makes you wait? Practice these poses and make your body as fit and healthy as that of an animal.